Odisha to set up Haj House for pilgrims

Bhubaneswar, July 13 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said a Haj House will be constructed in the state capital for the benefit of pilgrims.

Felicitating the pilgrims set to go for the annual Haj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia from Odisha this year, Patnaik said land has already been identified for the Haj House and construction will begin soon.

Patnaik also wished a safe and smooth journey to 688 Haj pilgrims including 200 women and said that all arrangements have been made for the pilgrims at Kolkata airport, adding that the state government is trying to make the city airport an embarkation point.

He said his government is committed to the welfare of people belonging to minority communities and that 100 other multipurpose community centres will also be set up for their benefit.

“The state government has sanctioned Rs 5 crore for development of educational institutions meant for children from minority communities. Besides, the government will construct 100 multi-purpose centres for Muslims in the next three years,” said the Chief Minister.